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Joining the VegNET team has given me the opportunity to see the vegetable industry from an entirely different perspective.
After spending five years growing Asian vegetables in the Northern Territory and being involved in agriculture from a young age, I thought I had a good understanding of the industry. Like many growers, my focus was on producing quality crops, managing risks, and solving the day-to-day challenges that come with farming. What I didn’t fully appreciate was the vast network of people and organisations working behind the scenes to support growers and help move the industry forward.
Modern vegetable production is complex. Whether it’s pest and disease management, irrigation, crop nutrition, labour or business planning, growers are constantly required to make important decisions. Having access to reliable information and trusted support can make a significant difference. That’s where extension plays such an important role – the real value lies in helping growers make informed decisions and build confidence in their businesses.
G-dot installation with a new grower
Looking behind the curtain
One of the first things that struck me after joining VegNET was the sheer amount of knowledge, research, and information being generated across the industry. There is always a new project underway, a new challenge to tackle or a new innovation being tested somewhere in Australia.
What surprised me even more was the amount of work required to turn that information into something practical and useful for growers. As a grower, I would attend workshops, field walks, and industry tours without giving much thought to how they came together. Working in extension has shown me just how much planning happens behind the scenes. From organising venues and speakers to preparing resources, coordinating stakeholders, and promoting events, there is a tremendous amount of effort involved before a grower ever walks through the door.
It has given me a greater appreciation for the people who dedicate their time to connecting growers with valuable information and creating opportunities for learning and discussion.
The power of connections
As growers, it’s easy to become focused on what’s happening within the farm gate. Running a farming business leaves little time to think about the broader picture.
Working in extension has shown me how interconnected the vegetable industry really is. RDOs work not only with growers, but also with researchers, government agencies, industry organisations, consultants, suppliers, and many other stakeholders.
“The strength of our industry comes from the connections between growers, researchers, industry groups, government agencies, and extension professionals all working towards the same goal.”
Ideas, experiences, and solutions are constantly being shared across regions and across Australia. Often, a challenge that appears new in one area has already been tackled somewhere else. Learning from those experiences helps growers and industry organisations respond more effectively and build stronger plans for the future.
During this period have gained a firsthand appreciation for how important it is to capture and communicate growers’ concerns, and try to address these.
A memorable example was observing NT Farmers’ engagement with Vietnamese growers in the Marrakai region of the Northern Territory, during the recent fuel crisis. Seeing that process unfold gave me a new appreciation for the dedication, persistence, and passion that industry organisations bring to representing and assisting growers.
Probe installation at Middle Point
Learning from growers every day
One of the most rewarding parts of the role has been the opportunity to visit farms and meet growers from across the region.
Coming from a relatively small vegetable-growing operation myself, I continue to be amazed by the diversity within the industry. Some farms impress through their scale
and sophistication, while others stand out because of their creativity and resourcefulness. No matter the size of the operation, every grower has developed their own way
of solving problems and improving efficiency.
What I find particularly fascinating is that even when growers face similar challenges, whether it’s pests, irrigation, or rising costs, there is rarely a single solution. Every farm approaches these issues differently, and every visit presents an opportunity to learn something new.
It’s equally rewarding to learn from growers who have spent decades building their businesses as it is to support those who are just beginning their journey in agriculture. These conversations continually remind me that the vegetable industry is built on practical knowledge, resilience, and a willingness to share experiences with others. That culture of learning and collaboration is one of the things I value most about working in extension.
A new perspective
My transition from grower to RDO has given me a deeper appreciation for the people, partnerships, and processes that support Australia’s vegetable industry.
While growers remain at the centre of everything we do, there is an extensive network working alongside them to drive innovation, advocate for industry needs and create opportunities for future growth. More than anything, the experience has shown me that no individual, farm, or organisation succeeds in isolation. The strength of our industry comes from the connections between growers, researchers, industry groups, government agencies, and extension professionals all working towards the same goal.
Having seen both sides of the fence, I have come to appreciate just how much happens behind the scenes and how important those efforts are in helping growers and the broader vegetable industry continue to thrive.